Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common but serious bacterial skin infection that can spread rapidly if not treated. The infection affects the deeper layers of your skin and can potentially enter the bloodstream, becoming life-threatening. It is not contagious, as the bacteria that cause it usually live on the surface of your skin. 

Signs and symptoms

Cellulitis can appear anywhere on the body, but it most commonly affects the lower legs. The symptoms often begin suddenly and can include: 

  • Redness and swelling: A patch of skin becomes discolored (red, purple, or dark, depending on your skin tone), swollen, and tender. The affected area often expands over a day or two.

  • Warmth: The skin in the affected area will feel warm or hot to the touch.

  • Pain: The area is often painful and tender when pressed.

  • Skin changes: The skin may look shiny, stretched, or pitted like an orange peel. In more severe cases, blisters or pus may develop.

  • Fever and chills: You may also experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, weakness, or fatigue.

  • Red streaks: Red streaks spreading out from the initial area of infection can be a sign that the infection is moving into the lymph nodes. 

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose cellulitis with a simple physical examination of the affected skin. 

  • Physical exam: The doctor will look for the tell-tale signs of swelling, warmth, and redness. They may draw a line around the red area with a marker to track whether the infection is spreading.

  • Laboratory tests: For more severe cases, or if the infection is not improving with treatment, a doctor may order blood tests or a skin culture to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection.

  • Imaging: An ultrasound may be used to rule out a deep vein blood clot, which can have similar symptoms. 

Treatment

Prompt treatment is critical to stop the infection from spreading. 

  • Oral antibiotics: For mild cases, a doctor will prescribe a course of oral antibiotics, typically for 5 to 10 days. It is important to finish the entire course of medication, even if your symptoms start to improve.

  • Hospitalization: More severe infections may require hospitalization for intravenous (IV) antibiotics. This is necessary if you have a high fever, the infection is spreading rapidly, or the oral antibiotics are not working.

  • Home care: You can help reduce swelling and discomfort by:

    • Elevating the affected area, such as a leg, above your heart.

    • Applying a cool, damp cloth to the area.

    • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, if approved by your doctor.

  • Surgical drainage: If an abscess (a collection of pus) has formed, a doctor may need to perform a minor surgical procedure to drain it.

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